Kennedy Center Votes for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per White House Statement.
Image Source
The governing board of the renowned performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to a statement from the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This promises to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The proposed move is likely to prove deeply divisive, notably in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an beloved institution since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Not long after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's incumbent trustees and appointed loyalists in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to pay for extensive repairs and operational expenses at the aging venue.
Inception
The idea for a Washington-based performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be added as it becomes available.
